Crossrow vs Crossbow - What's the difference?

As nouns the difference between crossrow and crossbow

is that crossrow is a row that crosses others while crossbow is a mechanised weapon, based on the bow and arrow, which fires bolts.

(en noun)

A row that crosses others.

* 1961 , California Agricultural Experiment Station, Circular: Issues 501-542

To achieve straight crossrows , you will need guide lines so that you can align the trees up and down the slope.

(obsolete) The alphabet, or Christcross-row.

And from the crossrow plucks the letter G. — Shakespeare.

* xbow (informal)

(en noun)

A mechanised weapon, based on the bow and arrow, which fires bolts.

* crossbowman